- VinFast presented the VF3 SUV at CES 2024, a boxy EV that measures a full 17 inches shorter than the tiny Fiat 500e that goes on sale in the U.S. this year.
- Little is known about the VF3’s powertrain, but VinFast said it is targeting a 125-mile electric driving range.
- A VinFast representative confirmed that the VF3 will be sold in the U.S., according to a report by Motor1, although it’s unclear when sales will begin.
Vietnamese startup VinFast is on a product offensive. The VF8 crossover launched in the United States last summer, and a larger VF9 SUV is due here this year. At CES 2024 this week in Las Vegas, the electric-vehicle maker surprised with a sharply styled truck concept called the VF Wild. But VinFast’s stand at CES also included a new production-ready model that will reportedly be sold stateside: a cutesy subcompact SUV called the VF3.
The boxy VF3 is reminiscent of the beloved Suzuki Jimny and stretches 125.6 inches long, over 17 inches shorter than the diminutive Fiat 500e that goes on sale in the U.S. in 2024. The VF3 also measures 66.1 inches wide and 63.8 inches tall, which would easily make it the smallest vehicle on sale in America.
Along with chunky wheel arches, the VF3 features VinFast’s V-shaped chrome trim on the front and rear and a two-tone roof accentuated by a “floating” B-pillar. The crossover rides on 16-inch wheels and appears to have a decent amount of ground clearance. VinFast has revealed virtually no specifications but is aiming for a 125-mile driving range.
The cabin seats four and has a simple design, with a single 10-inch screen behind the steering wheel—which runs Android Auto and Apple CarPlay—and a small array of buttons on the center console. The second row folds entirely flat, expanding the cabin space to a claimed 19.4 cubic feet.
The VF3 first debuted in Vietnam back in June, but the squared-off mini-SUV’s arrival at CES represents its global launch. While the company’s official line is that the timing of deliveries and pricing will be revealed for each individual market in due time, Motor1 reports that a VinFast representative specified that the VF3 will be sold in the United States. A spokesperson told Automotive News last fall that the VF3 could start at less than $20,000, and an eye-catching price point may be necessary to get sales traction in America for such a small vehicle.
Caleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan.